The Sword and Heir of Shadows-Chapter 12: Three of Us.

In the underground headquarters, Hector, Jack, and their trusted crew gathered around the large table strewn with maps and plans. The dimly lit chamber buzzed with anticipation as the skilled thieves began to weave their audacious scheme.

Hector leaned over the table, tracing his fingers over the map of the aristocrat's wealthy mansion. His voice was low and determined as he addressed the group. "Listen up, everyone. We've been given an opportunity we cannot afford to squander. The king's impending visit to our village will keep his attention elsewhere, allowing us to strike at the heart of our target."

Jack, the mind behind their operations, nodded in agreement. "Our plan is simple but precise. We'll leave the day after the king's carriage departs the kingdom. By then, he'll be preoccupied with the village fair, and the aristocrat's house will be ripe for the picking."

Elena, the acrobat, raised an eyebrow. "What about the mansion's security? We've heard rumours of traps and guards patrolling the grounds."

Finn, the master of disguise, interjected, "I've obtained the latest information about the guards' routines and the mansion's layout. We'll exploit their weaknesses to our advantage."

Isabella, the locksmith, chimed in, "I've studied the locks of the mansion and replicated the keys. Getting inside won't be a problem."

Marco, the vigilant lookout, added, "I'll keep an eye on the guards' movements from the shadows. If anything goes wrong, we'll know in advance."

Rosa, the enchanting charmer, grinned mischievously. "And I'll make sure the guards are too distracted to notice our presence."

Diego, the cunning strategist, laid out a detailed escape plan. "Once we secure the loot, we'll rendezvous at the secret tunnel entrance. Hector and Jack, you'll oversee the operation, ensuring everything runs smoothly."

With their roles defined and the plan in motion, Hector and Jack nodded in approval. "Remember," Hector emphasized, "we're not just thieves; we're protectors of our village. The riches we acquire will be used to better the lives of our people. Let's make the most of this opportunity and show the aristocrat that even the most powerful can be humbled."

With a shared determination and a well-orchestrated plan in place, the thieves began their preparations, ready to strike when the king's carriage departed and the aristocrat's mansion lay vulnerable in their sight.

Hector and Jack walked towards the creaking stairs from the dimly lit underground office,

As Hector and Jack climbed the stairs, their footsteps echoing in the narrow passageway, they conversed like old friends. Jack, a trusted partner in Hector's secret endeavours, walked beside him, their camaraderie extending far beyond their shared pursuits.

"Hey, Hector," Jack began with a warm smile, "how are the boys doing? It feels like it's been ages since we've seen them."

Hector nodded, acknowledging Jack's sentiment. "They're doing well, I reckon. You know how it is. They're safer staying away from the kind of work we do."

Jack understood the nature of their mission and the importance of protecting their loved ones. He offered Hector a reassuring pat on the back. "You're right, my friend. We're fighting for their future and the future of our village." 𝚋ｅ𝚍ｎ𝚘ｖｅ𝚕．𝚘𝚛𝚐

As they finally reached the surface, emerging back into the rustic bar that concealed their secret headquarters. The bar itself was a quaint and weathered establishment, with aged wooden walls that bore the marks of countless years. It stood in stark contrast to the covert world that blossomed beneath it.

"I am done for the day." Declared Hector and handshake with Jack as they were back being the owner of the bar and a dealer disguised here.

Hector waved a bye to Jack and walked to Ustas's, by descending the stairs he untied the leash from the iron pole, where he had tied Ustas.

"Let us go home, Buddy," Said Hector while patting his horse's back. Hector hopped on Ustas's back and kicked him lightly, and the Forse went ahead.

Soon they were greeted by the dimly lit streets on the way to the village. Flickering lampposts cast eerie shadows across the worn cobblestone pathways. Hector and Ustas continued their journey home, His mind focused on the upcoming challenge that awaited them once the king's carriage departed. It was a routine they had followed for years, a mask of normalcy in their lives amidst the chaos of their secret mission.

In the quaint village, the setting sun painted the horizon with hues of orange and pink. Kael and William, the two brothers, were engrossed in a world of their own, their laughter echoing as they played with their friends on the vibrant green lawn. Their youthful spirits knew no bounds, and the innocence of childhood filled the air with joy.

Neena, as was her routine, was busy watering the plants in the front yard. Her eyes, however, were fixed on the path leading to the village's entrance. She eagerly anticipated Hector's return, just as ever. She waited for Hector every day her actions were disguised as her routine of watering plants.

As the twilight deepened, Hector's sturdy form emerged on the village's winding path. His footsteps were accompanied by the soft rustling of leaves, and he wore a tired but contented expression. Neena greeted him with a warm smile. "Good evening, Hector."

Hector returned the greeting, leaning in on her fence he smiled at her. "Evening, Mrs. Elmsworth. I hope your day went well?"

Neena nodded, her eyes holding a hint of intrigue. "It did, indeed. But I think we have some matters to discuss tonight, don't we?"

Hector understood her meaning and nodded, his thoughts aligning with her words. They exchanged a knowing glance, silently affirming their shared purpose. The night would hold secrets and plans that were best discussed under the veil of darkness, away from prying eyes and curious ears.

Hector left Neena's fence with a sense of suspense for the night's meeting, his thoughts consumed by the secret mission he was embarking upon. He walked toward his modest home, the familiar path illuminated only by the soft glow of lanterns that lined the streets along with a soft pink hue on the streets.

As Hector approached the front of his house, he couldn't help but notice the absence of his children's usual active greeting.

"Kael, William?" He called them, But Kael and William, were engrossed in their play earlier, now sat on the front steps, their expressions a mixture of disappointment and tension.

"Daddy's home!" William shouted with delight as he noticed Hector's approach. Kael, his older brother, echoed the sentiment and they both rushed towards their father.

"Can we have another ride, Daddy?" Kael pleaded, his eyes filled with hope. William stood on his toes to take a peek at Ustas to know whether the Horse already drifted to sleep or what, But Ustas had been busy eating food as soon as he had arrived.

Hector knelt down, his weariness momentarily forgotten as he looked into his sons' eager faces. He tousled their hair affectionately. "I'm sorry, my little rascals, but not today. Daddy's feeling a bit tired today, you see."

Kael and William exchanged a disappointed glance but quickly understood. They knew their father had long and tiring days, and they respected his need for rest.

Hector hugged them tightly, savouring the warmth of their presence. "But how about this? Tomorrow, we'll have a special day, just the three of us. How does that sound?"

Their faces lit up with joy, and they nodded enthusiastically, content with their father's promise. Hector's heart swelled with love for his children as he realized that, despite the secrets and dangers that surrounded them, his family remained the centre of his world.